HCMC reviews foreign activities in 2018

Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son

In his remarks at the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son spoke highly of the department’s performance this year, saying that the department has advised the Foreign Ministry and southern cities and provinces to effectively implement the Party and State’s foreign affairs while successfully fostering people-to-people diplomacy to create good impression on international friends.

Director of HCM City Department of Foreign Affairs Le Quang Long said the department next year would continue to offer consultation to city leaders to implement foreign affairs activities with a focus on cooperation for international integration. 

The department will also assist enterprises in the city to identify strengths and the potential to access markets as Viet Nam will be implementing a number of new trade agreements, he said.

This year, HCM City organised nearly 50 foreign affairs events, including festivals about ASEAN cultural and trade exchanges.

It also organised a number of talks between city leaders and consulates about Resolution 54 passed by the National Assembly, which allows HCM city to have more financial autonomy. 

In 2018, the city attracted foreign investment of more than US$7 billion and welcomed more than 7.5 million international visitors.

Two diplomatic events were voted in the 10 most important events organised in the city in 2018, he noted.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem said 2018 was a significant year for the city as it has been busy with various foreign affair events. Highlight is the HCM City Economic Forum 2018 last month that introduced foreign investors about the local plan to develop the city’s eastern part into an innovative hub.

Thanks to such events, the city raked in more than US$7 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and welcomed over 7.5 million international tourist arrivals this year, he said. 

The leader urged the department to continue taking an active role in promoting diplomatic activities in tandem with cultural exchange, economic development and FDI attraction, contributing to the fulfilment of development goals of the city and the country at large.

Ho Chi Minh City welcomed more than 110 international delegations, organised more than 170 meetings with foreign partners, and signed eight international agreements. 

Currently, the city now contributes 23% to national GDP, 30% of State revenue, 16% of industrial output, and 15% of exports.

By Vien Nhu